The Accidental Archmage by Edmund Batara (read out loud books .TXT) 📕

Ragnarok does succeed? Stop Ragnarok from happening and your burden becomes lighter.”

“With the basic spells I have?” answered the incredulous Tyler.

“You can do it. I know. You would be surprised at what you are capable of. All I need

from you now is you agree to stop the assault on Scarburg. You stop them there, that

gives me time to move pieces against Ymir and his plans.”

Tyler thought about it. A tall and almost impossible order. But Ragnarok and the

subsequent apocalyptic events affecting other pantheons will endanger his fiat to

maintain Adar. But what choice does he have? He agreed to bear the burden. And bear

it he had to.

“Alright. I will try to do what I can do.”

“Excellent! I have something to help you in this quest. One, a magical gift. The power

to wield lightning.”

He touched Tyler's forehead. And as with his experience with Eira, the knowledge

flooded his awareness and he knew he could cast lightning spells. But Odin’s gift had a

different feel to it. Chaotic, barely under control. Primal.

“My second gift rests upon the fact that your quest will not end in Skaney. Don’t look

too surprised. As I told you before, they don’t call me “the Wise” for nothing. But you

can’t do it alone. Demigods won’t do as the Nordic pantheon will be identified with you.

We don’t want a Divine War, do we? A trusty and experienced mortal or two can serve

and help you in your quest. You know of Jorund, the huskarl sworn to me. I can make

him transfer his allegiance to you, losing all connections to our pantheon. But you and

your companions will be known as renegades outside Skaney. Exciting, is it not? I will

also ask him to look for another trustworthy fellow under the same terms. But this

arrangement will only be known between us. And that forest guardian who looks as if

she had her eyes set on you. Two women running after you! Oh, the privileges of

youth!”

Odin laughed so hard that he fell to his side. Tyler hoped the old man didn’t see

anything so hilarious in his tangled future. Though he was already concerned about the

seeming interest of the Greek goddess.

“Now, to bring you to Scarburg faster,” Odin said, while still trying to keep his laughter

in check.

“Wait, I do have a question about Athena or Alea or whatever her current name is

now.”

“Ask away.” Odin’s mirth was still showing.

“Why is it that her statues back on Earth show her to have a bit more… weight? I mean

that not in bad way,” Tyler sputtered. “But there’s a big difference between her

appearance and the depictions I have seen! She looks more… athletic in person.”

The old man again bowled over in laughter.

“Oh, Tyler. You never fail to amuse me,” he said after getting back his breath. “Never

ask her that question. Or any goddess. Or woman for that matter. I’ve seen the

statues. They’re a bit… voluptuous. But beauty is a matter of taste for the age. Those

depictions were made during a time when the standard of beauty was more on the plus

side of the female form. But remember, gods and goddess can change their

appearances. It’s just that they have preferred forms. Just like humans with their

favorite clothes or weapons. Now, are you ready to go?”

“Yes, I think?”

“Face me and place your hands on my shoulder. Close your eyes. We will appear in a

grove near Scarburg. You can walk to the gate from there. This move will spend a lot of

energy but the ring will show you to be one of my mages when you reach the town.

Nobody will be the wiser. Get it? Wiser?"

Tyler's blank face discouraged Odin.

"I make a pun and nobody gets it. What is this world coming to?"

Odin then turned serious.

"But be careful. Removal of the ring will reveal it as a disguise and even my unknowing children will not be pleased about it. Some deities will take it personally and try to take your head. Come on, close your eyes.”

WHAT?

With a resigned sigh, Tyler closed his eyes. He could feel a surge of energy and felt a

strong wind pass through them.

“We’re here.”

Tyler opened his eyes. They were indeed in a grove.

“Scarburg is that way.”

“Wait, I have a question. This has actually been bothering me. Why would we be considered renegades?”

“Well, you will be wearing a ring which shows you to be mine but your men’s loyalties

will be for you only. Making you a sort of a mortal god? If there is such a thing. It won’t be discovered unless they start checking your men. If it is only you, then the disguise

will show you, as I said, as one of my mages. If the ring is removed, then a lot of

deities may get mad at your presumption of godhood. Or at the disguise. You know the

kind. But you can handle them,” said Odin with a wink.

Odin disappeared. Leaving behind a stunned Tyler.

Freak me thrice. I really got served again. By Odin! That half-blind conniving, devious,

scheming old man! I hope he doesn’t discover Viagra!

Fuming, he grasped his short staff, checked his sack of provisions and waterskin, and

walked in the direction the old man indicated. After a while, he had left the cover of the

trees and he could see the fortress-town in the distance. He was about three to four

miles away. A road traversed the plains ahead and led to the town. It was full of

wagons and people, all leaving Scarburg. On the opposite side of the road, he could see

groups of armed men walking towards the town. Reinforcements, no doubt.

Bracing himself, he walked towards the town, taking care to avoid the road. He didn’t

need the small talk, rumors, and aura of fear which will be his lot if he joined the

evacuees. Even if he was going in the opposite direction.

Walking on rough ground, even if relatively flat, was hard work. Some people on the

road did notice him and called out to him, but he ignored them. Nearing the town itself,

he hoped Jorund and Habrok would still be there. Then he heard somebody calling out

his name.

“My lord Havard! My lord Havard! Over